While meat can be incredibly delicious, other kinds of food bring a fresh and delicious flavor to the table. Seafood provides a burst of flavor from the smoker for everyone to enjoy. The experience gets even better when you have your very own smoker right in your backyard. Shellfish, such as oysters, clams, and mussels, along with a few other kinds of fish, is your go-to for the ideal seafood platter.
So, before your next gathering with friends or family, let’s look at what kinds of fish you can choose to make the most delectable smoked shellfish platter.
How to choose seafood
You have to be careful when it comes to picking seafood—there can be no compromise! It’s important to remember that while you’re picking out seafood, it should have a salty and fresh smell to it. If it has a strong fishy or pungent aroma, you should not go for it.
Color can also help. Go for seafood with bright colors and shiny shells. Also, when you touch seafood, it should feel firm, not mushy.
What should you include?
The point of a platter is for your guests to enjoy and try numerous different foods, all from the same plate. It also helps to know your guests’ preferences so you can make those portions bigger on the platter. Here are some of the best shellfish and other kinds of fish to add to a platter:
Oysters: Oysters are loved by many, and they can be very easy to prepare. All you have to do is shuck them and serve them on ice. That’s all! If you choose to serve cooked oysters, it’s better to not serve them in the same dish as other food.
Clams and mussels: Another delicious addition to your legendary platter. When it comes to clams, they’re fairly easy to prepare. You can steam them for just a few minutes and serve.
Mussels, however, can be steamed, boiled, grilled, and even smoked. While each method has its own special taste, we think smoking them is the way to go. For this recipe, we will slow smoke mussels until they open. However, before you get to the smoker, here are the ingredients you will need:
- 4 lbs of fresh mussels, with shells
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1–1 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2–2 1/2 tbsp minced shallots
- 2 cloves of minced garlic
- 3/4 cup dry white wine
- 2 tsp lemon juice
- 3 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
Now, once you’ve prepared the ingredients and everything is in place, here’s how to smoke them:
- Make sure that you’ve cleaned the mussels before putting them in the smoker.
- Preheat the smoker to 225 °F (107 °C).
- Place the mussels in a pan that can fit in the smoker and cover with aluminum foil.
- Poke holes in the aluminum foil using a fork—this allows the smoke to circulate around the mussels without them coming into contact with too much smoke.
- Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes until the mussels open.
- You don’t want to overcook them, so checking them every 10 minutes is ideal.
- While the mussels are cooking, prepare the sauce. Add the olive oil and butter to a pan and melt over medium-high heat.
- Next up, add the shallots and garlic and cook just until they soften.
- Add in the wine and lemon juice and bring the sauce to a boil.
- Now, let it simmer for 4 or 5 minutes, and then add in the parsley, salt, and pepper.
- That’s all! When the mussels are done, add them to your platter with this amazing sauce to accompany them.
Lobster: if you really want to make your platter memorable, lobster is the way to go. You can simply buy lobster that has already been cooked and frozen. All you have to do is chop it so it’s easy to serve. However, if you want to make your platter utterly delectable, why not toss it in the smoker?
Simply place the lobster in the smoker and smoke for 15 to 20 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 140 °F (60 °C). Use a trusted internal smoker thermometer to confirm, and you’re good to go!
So, by adding just a few different types of seafood, such as lobsters, mussels, oysters, and clams, you’ve created a delectable platter. You can always throw in your favorites like shrimp or anything else you like. This smoked platter of scrumptious seafood will, without a doubt, leave your guests wanting more. With the ultimate ease and convenience, a smoker at home provides and this list of seafood to add to your platter, you’re all set.
Check out a few more articles on seafood:
5 Types of Meat You Didn’t Know You Could Smoke
Best Ways To Smoke Shrimp
5 Delicious Types Of Smoked Meat & Cocktail Pairing
The next time you head to your nearest supermarket to grab some seafood, you’ll know exactly how to pick it and what to get. For more great ideas on how to get the most out of your Bradley Smoker, check out the awesome articles on our Bradley Smoker Food Smoking Blog for more tips & tricks.
